There will surely be many old cars enjoying the early morning Autumn colours on Wednesday 23rd as they drive towards Easters Court in Herefordshire where Brightwells are holding their auction of vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. The 1924 Maxwell Model 25 Tourer looks smart and attractive with wire wheels rather than those made of wood which were usually found on American cars of the period. After Walter P. Chrysler rescued Maxwell in 1921 from the brink of bankruptcy, their sales improved but in 1925, the name dissolved into the newly formed Chrysler Corporation. Its 3 litre engine promisess lively performance but make sure the spare 2-gallon can of petrol is secured tightly - this writer lost one on a sharp corner from the running board of his Bullnose Morris. It was full too!
Also from 1924 and with wire wheels is the Riley 'Red Wing' 4-seater Sports with a goodsporting specification from its side valve 1500cc engine . The 'Red Wing' series was aimed at the sporting motorist with their advertising blurb, "A lithe low-hung sports that responds to every whim, now drifting with the breeze, then racing with the gale. Speed greater than many men dare to use, comfort to the ultimate degree." The lot includes some contemporary photos but they don't include this picture of the car competing in the 1927 MCC London to Lands End Trial. This 1933 Riley Nine Kestrel has a twin cam engine and a sign around its neck saying 'Save me!' Here's a wonderful straightforward project for precious little outlay. It's history tells of one owner who bought it for £40 from a 1960s advert in Motor Sport. Arrived on foot and drove it away with no tax or MOT and with noble plans to replace the cycle wings with correct ones, he bought a set on the way home from another advert in the same magazine.
If you want a sporting car ready for the road and have deep pockets, buy the Bentley 3 litre with close-couple 4 seater bodywork. The long description says its chassis was originally owned by Tim Birkin's cousin, but there's alot more to read before you decide. We like the original correct twin 'SU Sloper' carbs and the Jaeger clock from a WWll bomber and this description, " Simple, primitive, lightweight and fast." Or if you like searching for that elusive part, buy the beautiful little 1934 Austin 7 Nippy, whose owner's advancing years makes it difficult to get in and out , and then begin looking for an original deep ribbed sump to replace the ordinary one currently fitted.
(Text Robin Batchelor, pictures courtesy Brightwells)